Jordan's Day of Rage Jan 15

Ma'an, Tafileh Avoided Participation in 'Jordan Day of Rage' Print ArticlePrint Article with Comments Print Article Titles |

2011-01-15

AMMONNEWS - Residents of the two governorates of Ma'an and Tafileh in southern Jordan avoided participation in the massive protests that stirred in the streets of major cities and towns throughout the Kingdom on Friday, in what was called 'Jordan's Day of Rage.' Local tribal leaders and populist figures had urged the residents of the two governorates to avoid storming to the streets in protest "because of the extraordinary circumstances in Ma'an and Tafileh," in reference to the violence and riots there in the past few weeks following the death of several people in fights there. Local leaders noted that they feared demonstrations would turn violent, and go against the demands of protest organizers that demonstrations should be peaceful. Thousands of Jordanians protested in various towns and cities on Friday afternoon against soaring prices, unemployment, and difficult economic conditions, and called on Prime Minister Samir Rifai's government to step-down. Several protests also witnessed chants and slogans against the parliament, which had granted Rifai's government a record 111 vote-of-confidence out of a total of 119 MPs.